Description

SkyDrop vario is a full featured combined GPS vario. By the way, with its 80g it is the lightest vario with display! SkyDrop is a middle class instrument, dedicated for wide range of pilots. Instead of long listing all the features, which would take many mouse scrolls, we can introduce several use cases. If interested, please find function list in Specification tab:

Once pilot is autonomous in basic skills (take off or landing), she/he is thirsty for air time. SkyDrop will gratefully help with this mission. It doesn't need to sit on cockpit of cocoon harness, or even worse - at old school leg mount. Instead of that, a riser mount puts instrument right in front of pilot's eyes, where she/he can easily read all what is needed.
We recommend riser mount also for advanced pilots, due to safety reasons. When using riser mount, pilot can operates device with brake in her/his hand.
However small and lightweight SkyDrop is, we found some space for complete set of motion sensors. Their fusion with the best available baro sensor creates instant vario reaction.
Competition pilot at the front of leading gaggle needs reliable backup. SkyDrop generates FAI1 class IGC tracklogs and has waypoint navigation with route length optimization.
Tandem pilot has very limited space for instruments, but SkyDrop on passengers shoulder or helmet easily solves this situation.
Do you like hike&XC? SkyDrop with its 80 grams in combination with your mobile phone is all you need for these exciting adventures.
Leg mount is for camera, not for prehistoric instruments anymore! Riser mount is ideal for "always looking up" acro pilots, who also need some kind of instrument. SkyDrop can provide safety features like altitude alarms, or just G-force meter for fun. Maybe infinity tumble counter will come ;)

Specifications

Physical parameters:

weight 86g
dimensions 98x57x19 mm
battery 2000 mAh, 25h fly time
memory 32 Gb

Features:

vario - analog/digital/average, acoustic signalization, graph history
instant vario response
flight logs - IGC/KML accepted for FAI Category 1 competitions
GPS - ground speed, altitude, heading, glide ratio
bluetooth android connectivity/telemetry - XCTrack, FlyMe, XCSoar, LK8000, TopHat, Sky Land Tracker, Paragliding Dashboard
bluetooth iOS connectivity/telemetry - FlySkyHy
wind speed and direction
altimeters - 5 adjustable altimeters (relative, absolute, GPS or QNH mode)
height above ground level (AGL), preloaded worldwide terrain data
competition waypoint navigation with route length optimization
airspace violation warning
fully customizable - multiple screens with configurable layouts and widgets
G-meter
weak lift detection (pre-thermal sound)
flight book, fly time, real time clock
auto take off and landing detection
UART output (for E-readers connection)

Every future feature will be available for free in software update, check current version here.

Package contains:

SkyDrop variometer
raiser holder with adhesive hooks&loops
protective hard shell pocket
micro USB cable
user guide
sticker

Support

Please read user manual and tutorial videos

AGL - altitude above ground

To display altitude above ground, you need to have terrain data loaded in your SkyDrop. We pre-load most flown areas during production. If you have an older device without pre-loaded terrain data, you can download this package here. If your area in not included, you can select and download terrain data and following how to guide. Red marked areas in map represent pre-loaded terrain data.

Airspaces

SkyDrop vario has airspace violation warning functions. You can download airspace data here.

Device update

Web based online configurator is a great support tool for the SkyDrop vario, which has two main functions. The first, you can update in your vario and get new functions. The second, you can customize screens and settings more comfortable way than directly on device. Even more, configurator allows you to set most advanced functions like custom sound, what is not accessible in vario menu.

SkyDrop v1 - firmware starting 5 (5xxx, e.g. 5305) - online configurator

SkyDrop v2 - firmware starting 8 (8xxx, e.g. 8079) - online configurator

NOTE - In any case don't cheat on your vario - Don't rename v2 firmware DROP2.FW to SKYDROP.FW (and vice versa), you will break your vario.

Bluetooth telemetry

If you decide to connect your SkyDrop with phone or tablet via Bluetooth, you can get very accurate barometric data in your flight computer app. We support XCTrack, XCSoar, FlyMe, LK8000, G_variometer and Paragliding Dashboard on Android devices. FlySkyHy, SkyLogger and SkyLoggerXXL are supported apps running on iOS. Please read user manual and watch tutorial videos if you want closer view to this topics.

If you find LCD screen of SkyDrop vario not working anymore or has some non-functional blocks (mostly whole rows), this is caused by mechanical damage of the screen. Even if there are no signs or cracks from outside, for sure there is broken part of LCD inside device. This damage can occur if too heavy force is applied to front side of vario. Please contact us via email to resolve this issue.

Very rarely pilots complain to non-functional GPS receiver. When vario was switched off for longer time or you traveled to another country, some time is needed to achieve 3D GPS fix. If vario still cannot catch it for more than 10 minutes, please go to menu>settings>GPS>status screen to see locked satellites. If there is 0/0 in upper right corner, vario has to be opened and repaired. Please contact us via email resolve this issue.

If you have issues with accelerometer or constant/crazy beeping it is possible that accelerometer is not properly calibrated. There are 2 possible solutions (We recommend the first option to get maximum from device): 1. Calibrate accelerometer, please follow instructions in the manual: Menu>settings>advanced>accelerometer or check out this instructional video. 2. Turn off motion sensors fusion with barometer: Uncheck Menu>Vario>Use accel checkbox

If there is something wrong with your SkyDrop, please leave us message at info@skybean.eu. Please don't send us vario for repair without previous consultation, because in many cases we can fix it by email, so don't waste your money and time if not necessary. If you anyway want send us broken vario without previous consultation, mark package value to 10€ if you are outside of EU.

FAQ page

In case you haven't found your topic here, there is frequently asked questions page here, please check it - skybean.eu/content/skydrop-faq

SkyDrop (Lightweight, GPS)